15 Semi Last-Minute Book-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas

I seriously cannot believe that October is almost over. Probably the fact that is has been above 85 degrees most days here hasn’t helped. So, my costume post is a bit late. This year, our family is dressing up as the classic Little Red Riding Hood (group costumes are my favorite). Stay tuned for more info on that after the holiday!

However, most of these you can throw together in a day or two. I’ve divided the book costume ideas into two categories: adult books and kid books. Have fun making these book-based Halloween costumes!

Book Costume Ideas for Adults

Gandalf

What would a bookish Halloween be without a LOTR character? Sucky, that’s what. You don’t have to be Gandalf, but he is definitely one of the most iconic characters. Costume Works has the tutorial.

The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man costume is an awesome costume for 3 reasons: 1. It’s from a book. 2. It’s from a creepy book. 3. It includes a mask. Costume Works has the tutorial.

Mrs Havisham

Mrs. Havisham is an awesome Halloween costume, although a pathetic character. Seriously, what woman destroys her entire life because she can’t get married to someone? I didn’t hear back from the creator of the costume about whether or not I could include a photo, so I’m just linking to the post here. It’s awesome though, and well worth the click time. 🙂

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

I’m still not sure that this can really qualify as a “book costume” because is a satire book like this really literature? But at any rate, it’s fun and a little spooky, which is perfect for Halloween costumes. And it does come from a book. So there. Costume Works has the tutorial.

Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennett

I guess this is after the wedding.

One year my sister-in-law hosted a regency-themed party. This was the result. No tutorial, because I’ve never actually posted this photo to all of humanity before (I’m sure my husband will love me so much more now for posting it). I may write a tutorial for the Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennett costume later, if you beg, but it’s pretty self-explanatory from the photo. Wear an old dress with an empire waist. Make your husband/boyfriend/long-suffering male friend dress up in a suit with a top hat.

Bennett Sisters Costume

Ditto for the Bennett Sisters costume. Here we are, five young ladies, all dressed up. You can assign characters to us all- we never decided on names. 🙂 Add blood if you want to wear the zombie version. 🙂

Book Costume Ideas for Kids

Olivia

Now I know in this picture Olivia is a fully-grown woman, but I’m putting her here because Olivia is a children’s book. But, as you can see from this wonderful lady, any of these kid characters also translate well to adult costumes! Go here for the tutorial.

Peter Pan

Wizard of Oz

Feel like going to see the Wizard, but not one from Harry Potter? Then you should dress up as someone from the Wizard of Oz! So many iconic characters for a fun group costume. Wear silver slippers as Dorothy to show you’ve read the book. Have fun correcting everyone all night.

More Halloween Fun

I'm Brenda. I'm a writer and a reader. Daily Mayo is all about having fun while reading, without rules! If you love books as much as I do, join the DM Book Lover's Club to keep up with the latest in the book world and get the DM Book Club Reading List.Come get to know me and let's talk books!

These are great ideas. Where you five yeas ago? LOL Now my daughter is about to turn 12 and doesn’t want to go trick or treating even though it is her last year to do. 🙂 The grow up too fast. She doesn’t even want to go to her a costume party. I went as Mrs. Frizzle too once. I need to find the pic.

Aww, that’s too bad about your daughter. I wish teens and pre-teens were’t so self-conscious. They are still amazing kids (and look cute in costumes)! If you find the Mrs. Frizzle picture, share it on the Daily Mayo Facebook page. I would love to see it!

I’ve never dressed up as either of those ladies, but Hermione always makes a great costume! Although if I were to choose a Harry Potter character, I would probably choose to dress up as a bad character, like Belatrix, Rita, or that crazy pink lady who’s name I cannot remember right now.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is ADORABLE!! Love all of these! My friend was Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter a few years back, it was a random costume he threw together last minute, but it turned out great!

[…] Regardless of what you think of the story itself, the gender-swapped story is perfect for your no-fuss Halloween costume this year! You and a significant other or you and a friend can easily put together this […]

I'm Brenda. I'm a writer and a reader. Daily Mayo is all about having fun while reading, without rules! If you love books as much as I do, join the DM Book Lover's Club to keep up with the latest in the book world and get the DM Book Club Reading List.Come get to know me and let's talk books!